KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine – Kennebunkport police are searching for a man from Barnstable, Mass., and his friend, who have been missing since Wednesday night.

Police Chief Craig Sanford said the Landing School, which teaches people how to become boat builders, notified them that students Zachary Wells, 21, of Burlington, Vt., and Prescott Wright, 23, of Barnstable had failed to show up for classes on Thursday and Friday. They were last seen socializing with friends at 5 Mills Road, where Wright lives.

A U.S. Coast Guard and Maine Marine patrol search along the nearby coast, and police searches along roadsides and marshes have so far failed to locate the two men.

“It is very strange,” said Sanford.

Wells is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall, with black hair, hazel eyes and weighing about 150 pounds.

Wright is described as 6 feet, 4 inches tall, with brown hair, blue eyes and weighing about 200 pounds.

Sanford said the men were last seen at a small gathering of friends. He said it is not known when or how they left the residence. Both men may have been intoxicated when last seen, he said.

There is no reason to believe the men went into the water but called for the search because 5 Mills Road is close to the water, the chief said.

The families of the two men said they expected the men home for the holidays. The families, who are now in Kennebunkport, said they are very worried.

Police said there were no signs of a disturbance at Wright's house.

Sanford said the disappearance is one of the strangest cases he has encountered.

“There is nothing in the house. There is not a lot of information,” said Sanford. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kennebunkport police.

Portland (Maine) Press Herald staff writer Beth Quimby can be contacted at 207-791-6363 or at bquimby@pressherald.com.